Selectable non-interactive entity application proxy method and system

ABSTRACT

A selectable security method and system. The method includes retrieving first configuration data associated with a non interactive entity (NIE) software application and second configuration data associated with a plurality of requesters. A master refresh period is calculated from the first configuration data and the second configuration data. Credentials data associated with the NIE software application are retrieved. The credentials data are transmitted to a resource server. A session key generated by the resource server is received by the NIE software application. The NIE software application calculates a stale time associated with the session key. The NIE software application stores the session key and the stale time.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and associated system for maintaining a secure connection to a non-interactive entity software application which is used to proxy requests for resources from different requesters based on credentials associated with the requesters or credentials associated with the non-interactive entity software application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Maintaining secure connections between systems typically comprises an inefficient process with little flexibility. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome at least some of the deficiencies and limitations described herein above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a selectable security method comprising:

initializing, by a computing system comprising a non interactive entity (NIE) software application, said NIE software application, wherein said NIE software application comprises an internal session cache;

transmitting, by said NIE software application to an administrator of said computing system, a notification message indicating said initializing;

retrieving, by said NIE software application, first configuration data associated with said NIE software application, wherein said first configuration data comprises a single refresh count associated with first session key requests, a single session refresh period associated with said first session key requests, and a single session ID associated with said NIE software application;

retrieving, by said NIE software application, second configuration data associated with a plurality of requesters, wherein said second configuration data comprises refresh counts associated with second session key requests, session refresh periods associated with said second session key requests, and session IDs associated with said plurality of requesters;

calculating, by said NIE software application, a first master refresh period from said session refresh periods and said single session refresh period;

retrieving, by said NIE software application, first credentials data associated with said NIE software application;

transmitting, by said NIE software application, said first credentials data to a resource server;

receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server, a first session key associated with said resource server;

calculating, by said NIE software application, a first specified stale time associated with said first session key, wherein said calculating said first specified stale time comprises adding said single session refresh period to a first current time;

generating, by said NIE software application from said single refresh count, a first updated refresh count; and

storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said single session ID, said first session key, said first updated refresh count, said single session refresh period, and said first specified stale time.

The present invention provides a computing system comprising a processor coupled to a computer-readable memory unit, said memory unit comprising a non interactive entity (NIE) software application and instructions that when executed by the processor implements a selectable security method, said method comprising:

initializing, by said computing system, said NIE software application, wherein said NIE software application comprises an internal session cache;

transmitting, by said NIE software application to an administrator of said computing system, a notification message indicating said initializing;

retrieving, by said NIE software application, first configuration data associated with said NIE software application, wherein said first configuration data comprises a single refresh count associated with first session key requests, a single session refresh period associated with said first session key requests, and a single session ID associated with said NIE software application;

retrieving, by said NIE software application, second configuration data associated with a plurality of requesters, wherein said second configuration data comprises refresh counts associated with second session key requests, session refresh periods associated with said second session key requests, and session IDs associated with said plurality of requesters;

calculating, by said NIE software application, a first master refresh period from said session refresh periods and said single session refresh period;

retrieving, by said NIE software application, first credentials data associated with said NIE software application;

transmitting, by said NIE software application, said first credentials data to a resource server;

receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server, a first session key associated with said resource server;

calculating, by said NIE software application, a first specified stale time associated with said first session key, wherein said calculating said first specified stale time comprises adding said single session refresh period to a first current time;

generating, by said NIE software application from said single refresh count, a first updated refresh count; and

storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said single session ID, said first session key, said first updated refresh count, said single session refresh period, and said first specified stale time.

The present invention advantageously provides a simple method and associated system capable of maintaining secure connections between systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for providing a secure means to initialize and maintain a secure connection to and from a non-interactive entity software application through which requests for resources may be serviced, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by the system of FIG. 1 for generating and refreshing a session key for requesters, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by the system of FIG. 1 for executing a resource request, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 which includes FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates a component diagram describing a usage process for implementing the algorithm of FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 which includes FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrates a component diagram describing a usage process for implementing the algorithm of FIG. 3, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a computer apparatus used for providing a secure means to initialize and maintain a secure connection to and from a non-interactive entity software application through which requests for resources may be serviced, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 5 for providing a secure means to initialize and maintain a secure connection to and from a non-interactive entity software application 18 through which requests for resources (i.e., from several requestors or non interactive entity software application 18 for a requester) may be serviced, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. System 5 of FIG. 1 comprises a computing apparatus 8, a (secure) credential storage device 15, a configuration data store 12, a resource server 16 (e.g., a session-key-secured computing resource server), and an authentication system 17 connected to a computing system 10 through a network 7. Credential storage device 15 may comprise a single storage device or a plurality of storage devices. Configuration data store 12 may comprise a single data store or a plurality of data stores. Network 7 may comprise any type of network including, inter alia, a local area network, (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, etc. Computing system 10 may comprise any type of computing system(s) including, inter alia, a personal computer (PC), a server computer, a database computer, etc. Computing system 10 comprises a memory system 14 (e.g., an application server). Memory system 14 may comprise a single memory system (e.g., a single application server). Alternatively, memory system 14 may comprise a plurality of memory systems (e.g., multiple application servers). Memory system 14 comprises non-interactive entity software application 18. Computing apparatus 8 may comprise, inter alia, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a computer terminal, etc. Computing apparatus 8 may comprise a single computing apparatus or a plurality of computing apparatuses. Computing apparatus 8 is used by requesters (i.e., entities that request resources) in order to request a resource(s) (e.g., an application menu item) from resource server 16. Requestors may comprise people, software applications, or portions of software applications. System 5 may comprise an optional access terminal 9 connected to computing system 10. Optional access terminal 9 may be used to access non-interactive entity software application 18. Non-interactive entity software application 18 comprises application software that acts as a proxy between requestors and resource server 16. Non-interactive entity software application 18 manages an internal session cache (e.g., internal session cache 18 b in FIG. 4), forwards requests to resource server 16, and returns results (i.e., resources) to the requester.

System 5 retrieves credentials (e.g., a user ID and password) for requestors (i.e., looking to request resources) from credential storage device 15 and submits the credentials to resource server 16 which returns a session key as a result of a successful authentication attempt with authentication system 17. Alternatively or additionally, system 2 may retrieve credentials (e.g., a user ID and password) for non-interactive entity software application 18 from credential storage device 15 and submit the credentials to resource server 16 which returns a session key as a result of a successful authentication attempt with authentication system 17. A session key is defined herein as a string of characters that acts as a ticket to access resources in resource server 16. Non-interactive entity software application 18 stores the session key along with a time stamp indicating a valid remaining lifetime for the issued session key. Additionally, non-interactive entity software application 18 stores the credentials and configuration data (i.e., retrieved from configuration data store 12) for the issued session key. Configuration data may comprise a refresh count, a refresh period, a session ID (i.e., for identifying non-interactive entity software application 18 and/or requesters), and a stale time. A refresh count is defined herein as a sequential, numerical value that indicates a number of times that a session key may be refreshed by the computing resource server's authentication process (i.e., authentication system 17) before the credentials must be read again from the secure storage location. A refresh period is defined herein as a time period that non-interactive entity software application 18 uses to calculate how frequently data in a session cache (i.e., internal to non-interactive entity software application 18) should be checked to determine if a session refresh attempt should occur. A stale time is defined herein as a date/time at which a validity of a current session key will expire.

The following process steps illustrate a session key transfer process performed by system 5:

1. Non-interactive entity software application 18 retrieves configuration data (i.e., for requestors and Non-interactive entity software application 18) from (secure) credential storage device 15. 2. Non-interactive entity software application 18 retrieves credentials (i.e., for requestors and Non-interactive entity software application 18) from (secure) credential storage device 15. 2. Non-interactive entity software application 18 sends the credentials to resource server 16, which has a pre-established trust relationship with authentication system 17. 3. Resource server creates, stores, and manages session keys in response to a successful authentication by non-interactive entity software application 18. Each session key may comprise an associated life span, which may be returned by authentication system 17 or stored locally for non-interactive entity software application 18 by another administrative process. 4. An identifier, session key, and data representing the session key's life time are stored in an internal (i.e., to non-interactive entity software application 18) session cache (i.e., session cache 18 b in FIG. 4). 5. An iterative process will run repeatedly against the session cache in order to keep the stored session keys currently valid with resource server 16 and authentication system 17. Each refresh count in the session cache will indicate how many times an associated session key may be obtained by malting a light weight call (i.e., a simple request that may be quickly processed) to resource server 16, which will return fresh, new session keys. The aforementioned session key refresh process requires that either the requestors credentials or non-interactive entity software application 18 credentials be transmitted. Each fresh, new session key is obtained by passing a valid (almost expired) session key to resource server 16. The iterative process of refreshing the session keys will continue until a pre-configured refresh count has been reached. 6. When a requestor submits a resource request, non-interactive entity software application 18 queries the session cache for a matching requester Id or non-interactive entity software application 18 ID. If a matching Id is found, the valid associated session key is immediately returned. If a requestor Id is not found in the session cache, then non-interactive entity software application 18 must perform the authentication on behalf of the requestor. Note that only requests coming from requesters that have a pre established trust relationship with non-interactive entity Software application 18 will be serviced. Additionally, non-interactive entity software application 18 may request the resource on behalf of the requestor with the fresh session key. Since the resource request was made with a valid session key, resource server 16 performs a resource retrieval process and returns the requested resource to the non-interactive entity software application 18, which returns the requested resource to the requestor.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by system 5 of FIG. 1 for generating and refreshing session keys for requesters and/or non-interactive entity software application 18, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step 202, non-interactive entity software application 18 (i.e., from FIG. 1) is initialized. In step 203, a notification message is generated. The notification message indicates that non-interactive entity software application 18 has been initialized. The notification message is transmitted to an appropriate entity (e.g., an administrator). In step 204, non-interactive entity software application 18 retrieves configuration data from a storage location (e.g., data store 12 in FIG. 1). The configuration data may include a refresh count and a session refresh period associated with session key requests and a session ID for a requestor(s). Additionally, the configuration data may include a refresh count and a session refresh period associated with session key requests and a session ID for non-interactive entity software application 18. In step 208, non-interactive entity software application 18 calculates a master refresh period from all of the session refresh periods retrieved from the configuration data. The master refresh period may be calculated by scanning all of the session refresh periods, selecting a session refresh period (i.e., from the scanned refresh periods) with a smallest value, and subtracting a very small time period (e.g., a millisecond) from the selected refresh period. In step 210, non-interactive entity software application 18 retrieves credentials data (i.e., associated with a requestor and/or non-interactive entity software application 18) from a secure credential storage device (e.g., credential storage 15 in FIG. 1). Credentials data may comprise a user ID and password for the requestor and/or non-interactive entity software application 18. In step 211, non-interactive entity software application 18 transmits the credentials data to a resource server (e.g., resource server 16 in FIG. 1). In step 212, the credentials data is processed in order to authenticate the requester and/or non-interactive entity software application 18. The processing performed in step 212 may comprise the following steps:

1. The resource server transmits the credentials data to an authentication system (e.g., authentication system 17 in FIG. 1) in order to generate an authentication attempt. 2. The authentication system returns a result associated with the authentication attempt. If authentication attempt is successful, a value indicating “success” is returned to the resource server.

In step 214 (i.e., upon a successful authentication), the resource server generates a session key, which has its lifetime encoded in the session key “ticket”. The resource server transmits the session key to non-interactive entity software application 18. In step 218, non-interactive entity software application 18 generates a stale time and updated refresh count associated with the session key. The stale time is calculated by adding the master refresh period (i.e., from step 208) to a current time. In step 220, the session key, the updated refresh count, the stale time, and the session ID are stored within an internal session cache within non-interactive entity software application 18. In step 224, it is periodically determined if the session key should be refreshed. If in step 224, it is determined that the session key should be refreshed then in step 225, a refresh request and the current session key is transmitted to the resource server and step 214 is executed. If in step 224, it is determined that the session key should not be refreshed then in step 228 it is determined if the refresh count has been reached. If in step 228 it is determined that the refresh count has been reached then step 210 is executed. If in step 228 it is determined that the refresh count has not been reached then in step 230 non-interactive entity software application 18 performs intended functions and periodically executes step 224. The above described process steps (i.e., steps 210 . . . 230) illustrated in the algorithm of FIG. 2 are repeated for: different requesters and that submit requests for resources and/or non-interactive entity software application 18.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by system 5 of FIG. 1 for executing a resource request, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step 302, a trust relationship (e.g., the configuration of mutual SSL between a client and a server using X.509 certificates) between a requestor and non-interactive entity software application 18 (i.e., from FIG. 1) is established. In step 304, non-interactive entity software application 18 receives (from a requestor) a request for a resource. In step 308, non-interactive entity software application 18 transmits a current session key (i.e., generated in step 214 of FIG. 2) and the request to a resource server. In step 310, the resource server generates a new session key. In step 312, the resource server transmits the new session key and the requested resource to non-interactive entity software application 18. In step 314, a new stale time and updated refresh count is generated. In step 318, a previous stale time and refresh count are removed from an internal session cache within non-interactive entity software application 18. In step 320, the new session key, the new stale time, and the updated refresh count are each stored in the internal session cache within non-interactive entity software application 18. In step 322, the requested resource is transmitted to the requester and step 304 is repeated (i.e., for a same requestor or a different requester).

FIG. 4 which includes FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates a component diagram describing a usage process for implementing the algorithm of FIG. 2 for generating and refreshing session keys for multiple requesters and/or non interactive entity software application 18, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The usage process illustrates an initialization process for system 5 of FIG. 1 (i.e., a process executed to setup and maintain a session cache of fresh session keys that may be used to improve the performance of a resource request handling process). Non interactive entity software application 18 is a software program that maintains a secure connection with resource server 16 and acts as a proxy for servicing requests for resources from requesters. Session cache 18 b is an internal data storage mechanism used by non interactive entity software application 18 to store session related data which includes a Session Id 19 a (i.e., identifies the entity and/or non interactive entity software application 18 making the request for resources), a session key 19 b (i.e., a string of characters that acts as a ticket to access resources of resource server 16) for each requestor, a refresh period 19 c for each requester, a stale time 19 d (i.e., a date/time at which a validity of the session key 19 b will expire) for each requester, and a refresh count 19 e (a number of iterations in which the non interactive entity software application 18 will continue to make light-weight calls to resource server 16 in order to refresh a session key 19 b for this session) for each requestor. Non interactive entity software application 18 comprises internal logic 18 a for performing processing. Logic 18 a is used to keep session keys alive/valid so that subsequent resource requests may be immediately serviced without a need to authenticate each and every request from requestor. Configuration data store 12 comprises a storage mechanism for configuration data. Configuration data may include a session id, a refresh count (non interactive entity software application 18 takes this value and for an initial session cache record insertion) and a refresh period (a time, e.g., a number of seconds between non interactive entity software application 18 scans of the session cache in which the non interactive entity software application 18 may refresh the session key(s)). Note that at the time that the configuration data is loaded, Logic 18 a locates a refresh period 19 c comprising a lowest value, subtracts a very small amount from the lowest value (e.g., a millisecond), and stores the difference in a master refresh record variable. The master refresh record variable is used to determine how often logic 18 a will read through session cache 18 b data looking for a stale time 19 d that has been reached. If a value for stale time 19 d is equal to or older than a current time, then a light weight call will be made to resource server 16 in order to retrieve a fresh new session key 19 b (i.e., to refresh this session). Secure credential storage comprises a storage device for storing the credentials associated with requesters and non interactive entity software application 18. Non interactive entity software application 18 transmits a requestor ID and follows requisite secure credential storage protocol and in return retrieves a requester password.

The following process steps illustrate a process for generating and refreshing a session key:

1. Resource server 16 accepts requests for resources and services the requests after resource server 16 authenticates non interactive entity software application 18 using it's credentials or validates that a session key (e.g., session key 19 b) passed to resource server 16 (i.e., from a requestor) is valid. Additionally, resource server 16 generates the session key and stores the session key with its associated Session Id for subsequent request processing. 2. Logic 16 a performs an authentication of requesters or non interactive entity software application 18, creates session keys, stores the session Id and it's associated session key, and determines a validity of the session key values passed to it by non interactive entity software application 18 when the non interactive entity software application 18 requests resources on behalf of a requester. 3. Internal storage mechanism 16 b of resource server 16 comprises a storage location for storing a session key with its associated session Id for each requestor and non interactive entity software application 18. 4. Authentication system 17 services user (requestor or non interactive entity software application 18) authentication requests for the resource server. For example, authentication system 17 may allow resource server 16 to send a user Id and password which it will then check for validity. 5. Non interactive entity software application 18 transmits an authentication request 34 a for non interactive entity software application 18 to resource server 16. Authentication request 34 a is performed at initial startup or when the refresh count has been reached. 6. Non interactive entity software application 18 transmits an authentication request 34 b for requestor 1 to resource server 16. Authentication request 34 b is performed at initial startup or when the refresh count has been reached. 7. Non interactive entity software application 18 transmits an authentication request 34 c for requester 2 to resource server 16. Authentication request 34 c is performed at initial startup or when the refresh count has been reached. 8. A session key 35 a (e.g., 6D4+AY . . . K) is returned by resource server 16 to non interactive entity software application 18 for non interactive entity software application 18. 9. A session key 35 b (e.g., J7373V . . . W) is returned by resource server 16 to non interactive entity software application 18 for requestor 1. 10. A session key 35 c (e.g., 3JF8MF . . . =) is returned by resource server 16 to non interactive entity software application 18 for requester 2. 11. Each time logic 18 a scans session cache 18 b and locates a stale time 19 d that is greater than a current time, a session key 19 b refresh attempt is performed thereby decrementing refresh count 19 e by one for that session. At this time, non interactive entity software application 18 makes a light-weight request 31 a of resource server 16 (e.g., getTime(“6D4+AY . . . K”), in which it passes a currently valid session key 19 b. 12. Resource server 16 generates a new session key 31 b whose lifetime has been reset to a time determined by resource server 16. Note that the reset lifetime should be greater than a stale time (e.g., stale time 19 d) stored in the record for this session key in session cache 18 b. 13. Resource server 16 transmits authentication request 34 a to authentication system 17 to authenticate non interactive entity software application 18. 14. Resource server 16 transmits authentication request 34 b to authentication system 17 to authenticate requestor 1. 15. Resource server 16 transmits authentication request 34 c to authentication system 17 to authenticate requestor 2. 16. Authentication system 17 returns a value of success 37 a (e.g., true/yes/1) if the authentication process validates the passed credentials for non interactive entity software application 18. 17. Authentication system 17 returns a value of success 37 b (e.g., true/yes/1) if the authentication process validates the passed credentials for requester 1. 18. Authentication system 17 returns a value of success 37 c (e.g., true/yes/1) if the authentication process validates the passed credentials for requestor 2.

FIG. 5 which includes FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrates a component diagram describing a usage process for implementing the algorithm of FIG. 3 for handling requests for resources for multiple requesters or non interactive entity software application 18, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The requests for resources are generated by requesters. Non interactive entity software application 18 and resource sever 16 in FIG. 5 have been described with reference to FIG. 4, supra. A protected information point 28 comprises requested resources.

The following process steps illustrate a process for handling requests for resources (i.e., after session cache 18 b has been filled with fresh session keys):

1. A request for resources 40 a is transmitted by requestor 1 to non interactive entity software application 18. For example, request for resources 40 a in FIG. 5 comprises getList (Requestor1). Note that a trust relationship has been established between requester 1 and non interactive entity software application 18 prior to requester 1 generating request for resources 40 a. 2. A request for resources 40 b is transmitted by requester 2 to non interactive entity software application 18. For example, request for resources 40 b in FIG. 5 comprises getList (Requestor2). Note that a trust relationship has been established between requester 2 and non interactive entity software application 18 prior to requester 1 generating request for resources 40 b. 3. A request for resources 40 c is transmitted by requester 9 to non interactive entity software application 18. For example, request for resources 40 c in FIG. 5 comprises getList (Requestor9). Note that a trust relationship has been established between requestor 9 and non interactive entity software application 18 prior to requester 9 generating request for resources 40 c. 4. Results 41 a (e.g., Entry1, Entry2, Entry3) to request for resources 40 a are returned by non interactive entity software application 18 to requester 1 as a result of processing the request. 5. Results 42 a (e.g., Entry4, Entry6) to request for resources 40 b are returned by non interactive entity software application 18 to requester 2 as a result of processing the request. 6. Results 43 a (e.g., Entry5) to request for resources 40 c are returned by non interactive entity software application 18 to requester 9 as a result of processing the request. 7. A request for resources 40 d is transmitted from non interactive entity software application 18 to resource server 16 on behalf of requester 1. Note that request for resources 40 d comprises session key (J73J3V . . . W) associated with requester 1 as well as request for resources 40 a. Resource server 16 validates session key (J73J3V . . . W) and processes request for resources 40 d if session key (J73J3V . . . W) is valid. 8. A request for resources 40 e is transmitted from non interactive entity software application 18 to resource server 16 on behalf of requestor 2. Note that request for resources 40 e comprises session key (3JF8MF . . . =) associated with requestor 2 as well as request for resources 40 b. Resource server 16 validates session key (3JF8MF . . . =) and processes request for resources 40 e if session key (3JF8MF . . . =) is valid. 9. A request for resources 40 f is transmitted from non interactive entity software application 18 to resource server 16 on behalf of requestor 9. Note that request for resources 40 f comprises session key (6D4+AY . . . K) associated with non interactive entity software application 18 as well as request for resources 40 c. Resource server 16 validates session key (6D4+AY . . . K) and processes request for resources 40 f if session key (6D4+AY . . . K) is valid. 10. Results 44 a are returned from resource server 16 to non interactive entity software application 18 as a result of processing request for resources 40 d. 11. Results 44 b are returned from resource server 16 to non interactive entity software application 18 as a result of processing request for resources 40 e. 12. Results 44 c are returned from resource server 16 to non interactive entity software application 18 as a result of processing request for resources 40 f. 13. A request for resources 45 a is transmitted from resource server 16 to protected information point 28. 14. A request for resources 45 b is transmitted from resource server 16 to protected information point 28. 15. A request for resources 45 c is transmitted from resource server 16 to protected information point 28. 16. Results 44 d are returned from protected information point 28 to resource server 16 as a result of processing request for resources 45 a. 17. Results 44 e are returned from protected information point 28 to resource server 16 as a result of processing request for resources 45 b. 18. Results 44 f are returned from protected information point 28 to resource server 16 as a result of processing request for resources 45 c.

FIG. 6 illustrates a computer apparatus 90 (e.g., computing system 10 of FIG. 1) used for providing a secure means to initialize and maintain a secure connection to and from a non-interactive entity software application through which requests for resources (i.e., from several requesters or non interactive entity software application 18 for a requester) may be serviced, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The computer system 90 comprises a processor 91, an input device 92 coupled to the processor 91, an output device 93 coupled to the processor 91, and memory devices 94 and 95 each coupled to the processor 91. The input device 92 may be, inter alia, a keyboard, a software application, a mouse, etc. The output device 93 may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, a software application, etc. The memory devices 94 and 95 may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory device 95 includes a computer code 97. The computer code 97 includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithms of FIGS. 2 and 3) for providing a secure means to initialize and maintain a secure connection to and from a non-interactive entity software application through which requests for resources (i.e., from several requestors or non interactive entity software application 18 for a requester) may be serviced. The processor 91 executes the computer code 97. The memory device 94 includes input data 96. The input data 96 includes input required by the computer code 97. The output device 93 displays output from the computer code 97. Either or both memory devices 94 and 95 (or one or more additional memory devices not shown in FIG. 6) may comprise the algorithms of FIGS. 2 and 3 and may be used as a computer usable medium (or a computer readable medium or a program storage device) having a computer readable program code embodied therein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein the computer readable program code comprises the computer code 97. Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) of the computer system 90 may comprise said computer usable medium (or said program storage device).

Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could be created, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed, serviced, etc. by a service provider who offers to provide a secure means to initialize and maintain a secure connection to and from a non-interactive entity software application through which requests for resources (i.e., from several requestors or non interactive entity software application 18 for a requestor) may be serviced. Thus the present invention discloses a process for deploying, creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and/or integrating computing infrastructure, comprising integrating computer-readable code into the computer system 90, wherein the code in combination with the computer system 90 is capable of performing a method for providing a secure means to initialize and maintain a secure connection to and from a non-interactive entity software application through which requests for resources (i.e., from several requesters or non interactive entity software application 18 for a requestor) may be serviced. In another embodiment, the invention provides a business method that performs the process steps of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service provider, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer to provide a secure means to initialize and maintain a secure connection to and from a non-interactive entity software application through which requests for resources (i.e., from several requestors or non interactive entity software application 18 for a requestor) may be serviced. In this case, the service provider can create, maintain, support, etc. a computer infrastructure that performs the process steps of the invention for one or more customers. In return, the service provider can receive payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service provider can receive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or more third parties.

While FIG. 6 shows the computer system 90 as a particular configuration of hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilized for the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particular computer system 90 of FIG. 6. For example, the memory devices 94 and 95 may be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memory devices.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention. 

1. A selectable security method comprising: initializing, by a computing system comprising a non interactive entity (NIE) software application, said NIE software application, wherein said NIE software application comprises an internal session cache; transmitting, by said NIE software application to an administrator of said computing system, a notification message indicating said initializing; retrieving, by said NIE software application, first configuration data associated with said NIE software application, wherein said first configuration data comprises a single refresh count associated with first session key requests, a single session refresh period associated with said first session key requests, and a single session ID associated with said NIE software application; retrieving, by said NIE software application, second configuration data associated with a plurality of requesters, wherein said second configuration data comprises refresh counts associated with second session key requests, session refresh periods associated with said second session key requests, and session IDs associated with said plurality of requesters; calculating, by said NIE software application, a first master refresh period from said session refresh periods and said single session refresh period; retrieving, by said NIE software application, first credentials data associated with said NIE software application; transmitting, by said NIE software application, said first credentials data to a resource server; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server, a first session key associated with said resource server; calculating, by said NIE software application, a first specified stale time associated with said first session key, wherein said calculating said first specified stale time comprises adding said single session refresh period to a first current time; generating, by said NIE software application from said single refresh count, a first updated refresh count; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said single session ID, said first session key, said first updated refresh count, said single session refresh period, and said first specified stale time.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: retrieving, by said NIE software application, second credentials data associated with a first requester of said plurality of requesters; transmitting, by said NIE software application, said second credentials data to said resource server; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server, a second session key associated with said resource server and said first requester; calculating, by said NIE software application, a second specified stale time associated with said second session key, wherein said calculating said second specified stale time comprises adding a first session refresh period of said session refresh periods to a second current time; generating, by said NIE software application from a first refresh count of said refresh counts, a second updated refresh count; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, a first session ID of said session IDs associated with said first requester, said second session key, said first session refresh period, said second updated refresh count, and said second specified stale time.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: retrieving, by said NIE software application, third credentials data associated with a second requestor of said plurality of requesters; transmitting, by said NIE software application, said third credentials data to said resource server; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server, a third session key associated with said resource server and said second requester; calculating, by said NIE software application, a third specified stale time associated with said third session key, wherein said calculating said third specified stale time comprises adding a second session refresh period of said session refresh periods to a third current time; generating, by said NIE software application from a second refresh count of said refresh counts, a third updated refresh count; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, a second session ID of said session IDs associated with said second requestor, said third session key, said second session refresh period, said third updated refresh count, and said third specified stale time.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: detecting, by said NIE software application, that said first master refresh period has expired; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, a first request for a new session key; retrieving, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said third session key; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, said third session key; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server in response to said first request, a fourth session key associated with said resource server and said second requester; calculating, by said NIE software application, a fourth specified stale time associated with said fourth session key, wherein said calculating said fourth specified stale time comprises adding a third session refresh period of said session refresh periods to a fourth current time; generating, by said NIE software application from a third refresh count of said refresh counts, a fourth updated refresh count; removing, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said third updated refresh count, and said third specified stale time; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said fourth session key, said third updated refresh count, and said fourth specified stale time.
 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising: establishing, by said NIE software application, a first trust relationship between said NIE software application and said second requester; receiving, by said NIE software application from said second requester, a first resource request for retrieving a first resource from said resource server; retrieving, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said third session key; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, said first resource request and said third session key; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server in response to said first resource request, a fourth session key and a first resource; calculating, by said NIE software application, a fourth specified stale time associated with said fourth session key, wherein said calculating said fourth specified stale time comprises adding a third session refresh period of said session refresh periods to a fourth current time; generating, by said NIE software application from a third refresh count of said refresh counts, a fourth updated refresh count; removing, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said third specified stale time and said third updated refresh count; storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said fourth session key, said fourth updated refresh count, and said fourth specified stale time; and transmitting, by said NIE software application, said first resource to said second requester.
 6. The method of claim 2, further comprising: detecting, by said NIE software application, that said first master refresh period has expired; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, a first request for a new session key; retrieving, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said second session key; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, said second session key; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server in response to said first request, a third session key associated with said resource server and said first requester; calculating, by said NIE software application, a third specified stale time associated with said third session key, wherein said calculating said third specified stale time comprises adding a second session refresh period of said session refresh periods to a third current time; generating, by said NIE software application from a second refresh count of said refresh counts, a third updated refresh count; removing, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said second updated refresh count, and said second specified stale time; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said third session key, said third updated refresh count, and said third specified stale time.
 7. The method of claim 2, further comprising: establishing, by said NIE software application, a first trust relationship between said NIE software application and said first requester; receiving, by said NIE software application from said first requester, a first resource request for retrieving a first resource from said resource server; retrieving, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said second session key; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, said first resource request and said second session key; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server in response to said first resource request, a third session key and a first resource; calculating, by said NIE software application, a third specified stale time associated with said third session key, wherein said calculating said third specified stale time comprises adding a second session refresh period of said session refresh periods to a third current time; generating, by said NIE software application from a second refresh count of said refresh counts, a third updated refresh count; removing, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said second specified stale time and said second updated refresh count; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said third session key, said third updated refresh count, and said third specified stale time; and transmitting, by said NIE software application, said first resource to said first requester.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: establishing, by said NIE software application, a first trust relationship between said NIE software application and a first requestor, wherein said plurality of requesters does not comprise said first requester; receiving, by said NIE software application from said first requestor, a first resource request for retrieving a first resource from said resource server; retrieving, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said first session key; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, said first resource request and said first session key; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server in response to said first resource request, a second session key and a first resource; calculating, by said NIE software application, a second specified stale time associated with said second session key, wherein said calculating said second specified stale time comprises adding said single session refresh period to a second current time; generating, by said NIE software application from said first updated refresh count, a second updated refresh count; removing, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said first specified stale time and said first updated refresh count; storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said second session key, said second updated refresh count, and said second specified stale time; and transmitting, by said NIE software application, said first resource to said first requester.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting, by said NIE software application, that said first master refresh period has expired; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, a first request for a new session key; retrieving, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said first session key; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, said first session key; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server in response to said first request, a second session key associated with said resource server and said first requestor; calculating, by said NIE software application, a second specified stale time associated with said second session key, wherein said calculating said second specified stale time comprises adding said single session refresh period to a second current time; generating, by said NIE software application from said first updated refresh count, a second updated refresh count; removing, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said first updated refresh count, and said first specified stale time; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said second session key, said second updated refresh count, and said second specified stale time.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said first credentials data is hard coded within said NIE software application.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said first credentials data comprises an identification and password for said NIE software application.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein said generating said first updated refresh count comprises decrementing said single refresh count.
 13. A process for supporting computer infrastructure, said process comprising providing at least one support service for at least one of creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and deploying computer-readable code in said computing system, wherein the code in combination with said computing system is capable of performing the method of claim
 1. 14. A computer program product, comprising a computer storage medium comprising a computer readable program code embodied therein, said computer readable program code configured to perform the method of claim 1 upon being executed by a processor of said computing system.
 15. A computing system comprising a processor coupled to a computer-readable memory unit, said memory unit comprising a non interactive entity (NIE) software application and instructions that when executed by the processor implements a selectable security method, said method comprising: initializing, by said computing system, said NIE software application, wherein said NIE software application comprises an internal session cache; transmitting, by said NIE software application to an administrator of said computing system, a notification message indicating said initializing; retrieving, by said NIE software application, first configuration data associated with said NIE software application, wherein said first configuration data comprises a single refresh count associated with first session key requests, a single session refresh period associated with said first session key requests, and a single session ID associated with said NIE software application; retrieving, by said NIE software application, second configuration data associated with a plurality of requesters, wherein said second configuration data comprises refresh counts associated with second session key requests, session refresh periods associated with said second session key requests, and session IDs associated with said plurality of requesters; calculating, by said NIE software application, a first master refresh period from said session refresh periods and said single session refresh period; retrieving, by said NIE software application, first credentials data associated with said NIE software application; transmitting, by said NIE software application, said first credentials data to a resource server; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server, a first session key associated with said resource server; calculating, by said NIE software application, a first specified stale time associated with said first session key, wherein said calculating said first specified stale time comprises adding said single session refresh period to a first current time; generating, by said NIE software application from said single refresh count, a first updated refresh count; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said single session ID, said first session key, said first updated refresh count, said single session refresh period, and said first specified stale time.
 16. The computing system of claim 15, wherein said method further comprises: retrieving, by said NIE software application, second credentials data associated with a first requester of said plurality of requesters; transmitting, by said NIE software application, said second credentials data to said resource server; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server, a second session key associated with said resource server and said first requester; calculating, by said NIE software application, a second specified stale time associated with said second session key, wherein said calculating said second specified stale time comprises adding a first session refresh period of said session refresh periods to a second current time; generating, by said NIE software application from a first refresh count of said refresh counts, a second updated refresh count; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, a first session ID of said session IDs associated with said first requester, said second session key, said first session refresh period, said second updated refresh count, and said second specified stale time.
 17. The computing system of claim 16, wherein said method further comprises: retrieving, by said NIE software application, third credentials data associated with a second requester of said plurality of requestors; transmitting, by said NIE software application, said third credentials data to said resource server; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server, a third session key associated with said resource server and said second requestor; calculating, by said NIE software application, a third specified stale time associated with said third session key, wherein said calculating said third specified stale time comprises adding a second session refresh period of said session refresh periods to a third current time; generating, by said NIE software application from a second refresh count of said refresh counts, a third updated refresh count; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, a second session ID of said session IDs associated with said second requestor, said third session key, said second session refresh period, said third updated refresh count, and said third specified stale time.
 18. The computing system of claim 17, wherein said method further comprises: detecting, by said NIE software application, that said first master refresh period has expired; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, a first request for a new session key; retrieving, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said third session key; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, said third session key; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server in response to said first request, a fourth session key associated with said resource server and said second requester; calculating, by said NIE software application, a fourth specified stale time associated with said fourth session key, wherein said calculating said fourth specified stale time comprises adding a third session refresh period of said session refresh periods to a fourth current time; generating, by said NIE software application from a third refresh count of said refresh counts, a fourth updated refresh count; removing, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said third updated refresh count, and said third specified stale time; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said fourth session key, said third updated refresh count, and said fourth specified stale time.
 19. The computing system of claim 17, wherein said method further comprises: establishing, by said NIE software application, a first trust relationship between said NIE software application and said second requester; receiving, by said NIE software application from said second requester, a first resource request for retrieving a first resource from said resource server; retrieving, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said third session key; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, said first resource request and said third session key; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server in response to said first resource request, a fourth session key and a first resource; calculating, by said NIE software application, a fourth specified stale time associated with said fourth session key, wherein said calculating said fourth specified stale time comprises adding a third session refresh period of said session refresh periods to a fourth current time; generating, by said NIE software application from a third refresh count of said refresh counts, a fourth updated refresh count; removing, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said third specified stale time and said third updated refresh count; storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said fourth session key, said fourth updated refresh count, and said fourth specified stale time; and transmitting, by said NIE software application, said first resource to said second requester.
 20. The computing system of claim 16, wherein said method further comprises: detecting, by said NIE software application, that said first master refresh period has expired; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, a first request for a new session key; retrieving, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said second session key; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, said second session key; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server in response to said first request, a third session key associated with said resource server and said first requestor; calculating, by said NIE software application, a third specified stale time associated with said third session key, wherein said calculating said third specified stale time comprises adding a second session refresh period of said session refresh periods to a third current time; generating, by said NIE software application from a second refresh count of said refresh counts, a third updated refresh count; removing, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said second updated refresh count, and said second specified stale time; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said third session key, said third updated refresh count, and said third specified stale time.
 21. The computing system of claim 16, wherein said method further comprises: establishing, by said NIE software application, a first trust relationship between said NIE software application and said first requester; receiving, by said NIE software application from said first requester, a first resource request for retrieving a first resource from said resource server; retrieving, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said second session key; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, said first resource request and said second session key; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server in response to said first resource request, a third session key and a first resource; calculating, by said NIE software application, a third specified stale time associated with said third session key, wherein said calculating said third specified stale time comprises adding a second session refresh period of said session refresh periods to a third current time; generating, by said NIE software application from a second refresh count of said refresh counts, a third updated refresh count; removing, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said second specified stale time and said second updated refresh count; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said third session key, said third updated refresh count, and said third specified stale time; and transmitting, by said NIE software application, said first resource to said first requester.
 22. The computing system of claim 15, wherein said method further comprises: establishing, by said NIE software application, a first trust relationship between said NIE software application and a first requester, wherein said plurality of requestors does not comprise said first requestor; receiving, by said NIE software application from said first requester, a first resource request for retrieving a first resource from said resource server; retrieving, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said first session key; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, said first resource request and said first session key; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server in response to said first resource request, a second session key and a first resource; calculating, by said NIE software application, a second specified stale time associated with said second session key, wherein said calculating said second specified stale time comprises adding said single session refresh period to a second current time; generating, by said NIE software application from said first updated refresh count, a second updated refresh count; removing, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said first specified stale time and said first updated refresh count; storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said second session key, said second updated refresh count, and said second specified stale time; and transmitting, by said NIE software application, said first resource to said first requester.
 23. The computing system of claim 15, wherein said method further comprises: detecting, by said NIE software application, that said first master refresh period has expired; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, a first request for a new session key; retrieving, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said first session key; transmitting, by said NIE software application to said resource server, said first session key; receiving, by said NIE software application from said resource server in response to said first request, a second session key associated with said resource server and said first requestor; calculating, by said NIE software application, a second specified stale time associated with said second session key, wherein said calculating said second specified stale time comprises adding said single session refresh period to a second current time; generating, by said NIE software application from said first updated refresh count, a second updated refresh count; removing, by said NIE software application from said internal session cache, said first updated refresh count, and said first specified stale time; and storing within said internal session cache, by said NIE software application, said second session key, said second updated refresh count, and said second specified stale time.
 24. The computing system of claim 15, wherein said first credentials data is hard coded within said NIE software application.
 25. The computing system of claim 15, wherein said first credentials data comprises an identification and password for said NIE software application. 